28/05/2026
BARMM Development Partners Turn Over School of Living Tradition Building to MIPA
UPI, Maguindanao del Norte — The Bangsamoro Government and its development partners officially turned over the School of Living Tradition (SLT) Building to the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs (MIPA) on May 25, 2026, at the UAS PTIA Compound in Barangay Nuro, Upi, Maguindanao del Norte.
The School of Living Tradition Building is a flagship cultural preservation project funded by the European Union (EU) and implemented by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) through the Support to Bangsamoro Transition (SUBATRA) Programme. The initiative reflects BARMM’s commitment to inclusive governance, cultural preservation, and accessible public services for Indigenous Cultural Communities/Indigenous Peoples (ICCs/IPs) across the region.
The ceremonial program commenced with a traditional Kanduli “Mifar”, a Tëduray thanksgiving ritual for the blessing of a newly built structure, facilitated by Cultural Master Këmamal Këadatan Johhnny Mokudef. The ritual highlighted the deep spiritual and cultural significance of the project to the Indigenous communities of the area.
The formal handover ceremony gathered high-ranking BARMM officials, international development partners, local government leaders, tribal elders, youth representatives, and community stakeholders.
In his message, Member of Parliament Hon. Ramon A. Piang Sr. expressed his gratitude to the former MIPA administration for initiating the project and emphasized the importance of sustaining programs that protect and promote Indigenous culture and heritage.
The event was graced by Chief Minister Hon. Abdulraof Macacua, represented by Assistant Senior Minister Abdullah “Dong” Kusain, together with distinguished guests including His Excellency Miguel Utray Delgado, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Spain to the Philippines; His Excellency Massimo Santoro, Ambassador of the European Union to the Philippines; Sec. Mel Sarmiento; Senior Undersecretary Isidro L. Purisima, Deputy Presidential Adviser; BPDA Director General Engr. Mohajirin T. Ali; Deputy Minister Timuay Rene Batiao; DG Judith Tinio; South Upi Mayor Hon. Helen Benito-Padua; Hon. Ma. Rona Cristina Piang-Flores; Engr. Sukarno Datukan, Ph.D.; Dr. Alimudin C. Belon, UAS PTIA Administrator; Corazon Garrigues; and other key officials and stakeholders.
Also present during the occasion were Architect Daryl Gracia of Dream Architect, the designer of the SLT Building, along with UNOPS Program Manager Criselle Capistrano and team.
The celebration featured vibrant cultural performances and demonstrations showcasing the richness of Indigenous traditions. Monom Fintailan Sinta Batitao Bansigan and Perlita Laugan Bansigan from SUMO presented an actual weaving demonstration, while the Kuyog Rayray Band serenaded guests. The TJG Young IP Masters performed an Agong Ensemble to welcome visitors, and the Sefegefen IP Youth Art Guild showcased traditional dances.
More than just a structure, the School of Living Tradition is envisioned as a cultural sanctuary and learning hub for ICCs/IPs. It will serve as a venue for important cultural gatherings such as “Limud,” cultural trainings, weaving apprenticeships, traditional music and dance workshops, storytelling and oral heritage preservation, visual arts and crafts, ritual appreciation, customary law education, and Sulagad preservation.
The architectural design of the building reflects the rich Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Practices (IKSP) of the Tëduray people, embodying their identity, traditions, and connection to culture.
The program concluded with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and the symbolic presentation of tokens to the development partners. Head of Cultural Affairs Caroline Love T. Magbanua and Customary Law Head Benito Algan Jr. handed over a native handicraft called “Kamfilo,” a traditional storage box used to safeguard important belongings and sometimes utilized as a baby crib. The token symbolized cultural preservation and the safeguarding of valuable Indigenous knowledge for future generations.
MIPA, under the leadership of Minister Guiamal B. Abdulrahman, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the BARMM Government, the European Union, UNOPS, and all development and local partners for their invaluable support in realizing the School of Living Tradition project.
The ministry also acknowledged the contributions of former MIPA Minister Melanio U. Ulama, MOH-Datu Blah District Hospital for providing right-of-way and water supply support, UAS PTIA, LGU Upi, tribal leaders, youth, women, and all individuals who contributed to the success of this historic milestone.
The School of Living Tradition stands as a symbol of unity, cultural pride, and BARMM’s continuing commitment to preserve, protect, and promote the heritage of Indigenous Peoples in the Bangsamoro region for generations to come.
